MEET OUR TEAM

Your Pets Are In Good Hands

At Mountain River Veterinary Hospital, we make sure that your pets are well attended to. Meet the diligent and caring staff of the clinic below.

We at Mountain River Veterinary Hospital are here to help take care of any of your pet's needs! Loving what we do, the patients we work with, and the owners of these amazing animals.

DOCTORS

Our Veterinarians

Dr. George Olaveson, DVM

Practice Owner

George grew up in Rigby with a large family and a large number of animals. This is where he developed an interest in veterinary medicine. He spent many hours working with local practitioners and that fueled an even greater desire to pursue a career in this amazing field. After schooling at Idaho State University and Washington State University he began practice in 1993. In 2005 he saw the completion of Mountain River Veterinary Hospital and has enjoyed nearly everyday there. He has especially enjoyed the people that trusted him with the care of their animals. He has been blessed to have the most amazing wife and children, who have been everything to him at work and at home. They just love to be together doing whatever the adventure of the day entails. Thank you for your loyal support of such a fun place to work.

Dr. Garth Waddoups, DVM

Practice Owner

Garth graduated from Washington State University in 1990. He has taught laser surgery all over the world and has special interest in orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries as well. He takes joy in making his operating room a place only the brave will go. He is an equal opportunity jokester. Pays special attention to detail and is extremely aware of any potential improvements that could be obtained within the workplace. Enjoys riding horses, leatherwork, welding and rawhide braiding.

Dr. Travis Pond

Associate Veterinarian

Travis graduated from WSU Pullman. He joined our team in May of 2025. He is fluent in sign language, and enjoys writing on the side. He loves animals and treats them all with true compassion. He owned a practice in Henderson, NV, but decided he wanted to come back 'home' and is now here in the Rigby, ID area. We are lucky to have him and enjoy each work day with him!

Dr. Cara-Anne Sallis, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Cara-Anne Sallis will be joining our clinic in June of 2026! She will be a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and is thrilled to start her career in our mixed animal practice! We are lucky to have her!

OUR TEAM

The Mountain River Team

Danyel R.

Practice Manager

Danyel spent 16 years working with Dr. Kinghorn before he retired. She moved her career to Mountain River Veterinary Hospital in 2016. Danyel has been able to have a career that is her passion, not many people get to say that. She is a mother of a wonderful son and 3 dogs. When she is not at the clinic taking care of the animals and clients, she enjoys everything outdoors; hiking, boating, camping, hunting, archery and fishing but only if her son and dogs are with her! As the practice manager, Danyel is happy to help clients with any questions, concerns and needs.

Adalie F.

Vet Tech Assistant

Adalie was born and raised in Rexburg. She recently got married to her best friend. Her hobbies include fishing, snowboarding, dirt biking, and to ride her sorrel horse named Max. Adalie has always loved animals and helping them to get better.

Ally S.

Receptionist

Ally was born and raised in Ashton, ID. She has 2 kids. She grew up on a family farm and has a passion for animals, but horses are her favorite! She loves and enjoys riding horses, camping and fishing!

Ashley P.

Veterinary Technician

Ashley was born and raised in Island Park Idaho. She has always had a big heart for animals. She really started to love working with animals after working at a shelter and learning the health care side of things. Ashley has been working at Mountain River Vet since December 2022. She loves to ride horses, taking care of her two dogs Rosie and Willow out for walks, and going to the gym.

Ashley S.

Veterinary Technician

Ashley was born and raised in Roberts, ID. She completed the CSI Vet Tech program in 2020. She enjoys working cattle, riding horses, hiking, and spending time with her husband, son, and pets.

Ashley W.

Boarding Kennel Tech

Ashley was born and raised in Rigby Idaho. She married her best friend in August of 2023. She loves to go fishing, hiking, swimming and playing the ukulele. Ashe is also a mermaid at the East Idaho Aquarium. Ashley absolutely loves animals whether it is playing with them, or just taking care of them. Ashley joined the Mountain River Boarding Staff in 2022. She aspires to further her knowledge and experience in the animal care field. She feels that working here has been a wonderful opportunity and has given her lots of experience and new friends!

Brian B.

Janitor

Brian's family moved to Rigby when he was 3 years old. He graduated from Rigby High School in 2013. His favorite animals are horses and dogs and he loves working at MRVH. He keeps busy throughout the year participating in sports with Special Olympics. His favorite sport is playing basketball but especially looks forward to horseback riding and competition every summer. He has 4 older sisters and is the best uncle in the world!

Cambria K.

Veterinary Assistant

Cambria grew up in Idaho Falls and graduated from Madison High School last year. She has grown up around animals her whole life and found a passion for working with them. Cambria's family currently has 3 dogs: a 5 year old yellow lab named Luke, a 4 year old american bulldog named Piper, and a 1 year old french bulldog named Dexter. Cambria is currently attending BYU-I in the Animal Science program. She plans to graduate in 2026 and begin working as a Vet Tech. She loves spending time outdoors, whether it is camping, riding dirt bikes, fishing, or hiking. Cambria has been working at Mountain River Vet since 2023.

Candis B.

Sterilization Specialist

Candis was born and raised in the outskirts of Idaho Falls. She has been a tech and the sterilization specialist at MRVH since 2006. She runs a herd of cattle, and of cats. She is the feline connoisseur of Southeastern Idaho.

Carolyn W.

Accounts/Financial Manager

Carolyn grew up in Utah, raised her family in Mountain Home, (which includes 3 children and 3 grandkids) then moved to Eastern Idaho for her husband's career. She loves to hike, do yard work, be active, and is great with numbers. She manages two veterinary practices and is #1 client advocate at MRVH.

Christina L.

Vet Tech Assistant

Christina is the mother of one girl and one fur baby. She likes getting outdoors for hikes and camping. She grew up on a farm taking care of cows and horses. Her favorite food is steak and potatoes. We are thrilled to have her at MRVH and hope to aid in her success on her way to working toward becoming a Veterinary Technician!

Clarissa T.

Veterinary Technician

Clarissa was born and raised here in Rigby. She grew up in a rodeo and ranching family. Her passion has always been anything to do with horses. She graduated from Rigby High School and went on to Casper College in Casper, WY on a full ride rodeo scholarship. After completing 2 years at Casper, she transferred to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. She studied and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Equine Science. Later on, she moved back to the area and decided to enroll in Penn Foster College online for the Veterinary Technician program. In November, 2024, she graduated with her Associate's degree in Veterinary Technician studies. She is currently studying to take the certified Veterinary Technician exam to become licensed. She is also pursuing further education in equine studies through the AAEVT program to become a specialized equine technician. In her spare time, she enjoys barrel racing, riding horses, roping, and working cows on the ranch.

David J.

Crematory Manager

David has been a part of vet medicine for 11 years as a Technician and a supervisor. He has been married for 26 wonderful years and has 3 grown sons. He grew up on a ranch with horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. He has found vet medicine to be a very fulfilling profession. He loves helping animals and their parents through the many medical procedures that we face daily.

Devyn M.

Cleaning Assistant

Devyn is 24 and has graduated from BYU-I with an Associates in Animal Science. He loves his family and loves traveling. He is a joy to be around in the clinic, with a passion for animals and people.

Donna L.

Vet Tech Assistant

Donna grew up in Sun Valley, ID. She graduated from Wood River High School in 2020, and graduated from BYU-Idaho in April 2025 with a BS in Animal Science. She has a strong interest and love for animal health and welfare. She enjoys working hands on in veterinary care. She looks forward to continuing to learn and grow in the field while helping both animals and their owners.

Glenna L.

Financial Secretary

Glenna was born in San Diego, California. She loves the ocean and has spent much time there with friends and having church youth activities. Glenna went to college as an Art major and Music minor. However, she decided she enjoyed the medical field and ended up in the Plastic Surgery field as a receptionist, accountant, transcriptionist and/or also did insurance. Glenna and her family decided to move to Idaho 15 years ago and discovered she loves it in Idaho. After her husband passed away, she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Family Services for two years. Glenna started working for Mountain River Vet Hospital the summer of 2019. Her deep love of animals has given her the ability to see a multitude of pets and animals. Glenna had 4 children (her oldest son was killed in Iraq) and now has 16 grandchildren.

Jamie C.

Veterinary Technician

Jamie grew up in eastern Pennsylvania where she earned her bachelor's degree at Kutztown University. She has been a technician for about three years before starting at MRVH in August 2020. She loves all animals, but equine medicine is her favorite! Jamie spends her free time riding horses, mountain biking, and hiking. She moved to Idaho in 2016 and resides in Roberts with her husband Matt, her horses and her border collie Walle.

Jana J.

Technician Assistant

Jana grew up on a farm in Buxton, Oregon. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and riding dirt bikes and horses. She is currently studying Animal Science at BYU-I and is really enjoying her time at Mountain River Vet.

Janell K.

Receptionist/Technician Assistant

As part of both the technician team and front desk, Janell loves being involved in patient care from the exam room, to client communication. After spending years working with her dad, she decided to try something new and follow her passion for animals. When she is not at the clinic, Janell enjoys rodeo life with her family, roping at home just for fun, and spending time with her family, horses, cows, and dogs.

Jordan I.

Technician Assistant

Jordan has had a love for animals her entire life. Growing up, she moved between different states and was raised around all sorts of animals. Her father is a horse trainer, hence the moving around. Being surrounded with animals from a young age helped spark her passion for animal care and veterinary medicine. Jordan is currently attending BYU-I where she is working towards a degree in Animal Science, with a pre-veterinary emphasis. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys making art, spending time outdoors, riding horses, and going to Wyoming to spend time with her family on their ranch.

Kasha B.

Receptionist

Kasha was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho, and has always had a love for animals. She is a proud mom of three daughters and has a wonderful grandbaby boy who brings so much joy to her life, along with a Yorkipoo fur baby. She truly enjoys working around animals and especially loves giving them extra care and affection while at work. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys camping, paddle boarding, and spending quality time with her family.

Kassidy S.

Boarding Manager

Kassidy has lived in Idaho for the last 7 years. She has always had a love for animals and wants to be around them more than people. She enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, and basically anything outdoors. Her biggest hobby is the sport of mushing. She's raised and trained her own team of Alaskan Huskies to be sled dogs. She often competes in races during the fall and winter months with them.

Katherine W.

Boarding Kennel Tech

Katherine grew up in Utah with her family raising cows, chickens and helping with farm work. She moved up to Idaho once she got married to her best friend. She loves working with animals and has been around them all her life. She started working for Mountain River Boarding in 2023. Her hobbies include drawing, reading, playing videogames with her husband and taking their cat on walks.

Leesa F.

Veterinary Technician

Leesa is a girl that has had a love of animals her whole life. She's always dreamed of working with animals in some way, and finally had an opportunity. She moved up from Utah to work with her sister-in-law as a vet tech. She has a large family and plenty of animals back home, loves playing video games, and loves going longboarding during the summer. She joined the boarding staff in 2022, and then moved over to join the technicians in 2023.

Lilla E.

Cleaning Assistant

Lilla grew up in Rigby, ID. She likes being outdoors, arts and crafts, hiking, and spending time with her siblings. She has 2 dogs that are 4 years old. She has always wanted to work around animals, and is enjoying her time here at Mountain River Vet.

Lindsey L.

Technician Assistant

Lindsey was born in Frederick, MD. She moved to Jackson, WY in 2023 and then to Idaho Falls in 2025. She joined our team as a Technician Assistant. Her best friend is her spicy orange cat, 'Puff Puff'. She has known since she was a kid that she wanted to work with animals. In her spare time, she loves to do arts and crafts, explore nature, and be near the water.

Madison W.

Boarding Kennel Assistant

Madison was born and raised in Texas. She moved to Idaho 5 years ago. Maddie enjoys fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with her pup Bucky! Maddie aspires to grow within the vet med field. Her dream is to live on land with her own animal rescue.

Marty M.

HR Assistant

Marty grew up in American Fork, UT. She has been with MRVH since August of 2019. She has always had a love for animals, and feels lucky to be able to work around them. She has 6 cats, and 2 dogs. She and her husband Jake moved up to Idaho 4 years ago and love living in a slow paced, farming community. Animals have always had a soft spot in Marty's heart and she loves being able to be a part of taking care of your furry babies!

Melissa W.

Receptionist Manager

Melissa was born and raised in Egin, ID. She has 6 kids. She grew up on a small family farm with cows, pigs, horses, and dogs. She now has her own horses and dogs and loves them all! She loves the outdoors, hunting, fishing, going on side by side rides, and hiking.

Richard H.

Surgical Technician

Richard is a U.S. Navy trained surgical technician, with 10 years of surgical experience. He is married and has two children, both boys. Richard has a deep love of animals and greatly enjoys his work with them. He enjoys many hobbies including lifting weights and four wheeling in his truck.

Sydney H.

Veterinary Technician

Sydney grew up in Middleton, Idaho with her family. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tucson, Arizona and graduated from the College of Southern Idaho's vet tech program. She enjoys camping, hiking, horseback riding, and playing the violin. Best of all, she loves to spend time with family and friends.

Sylvia S.

Bovine Specialist

Sylvia was raised in Nampa, came to Eastern Idaho to complete a BS in Animal Science from BYUI, graduated in 2011. Worked at MacKay Livestock Supply prior to starting at MRVH where she has been since April of 2013. Married a Wilford native in 2013 and bought a house there. She enjoys all different kinds of farm animals, but has a special interest in bovine production. One of her favorite things about working at MRVH is the people that she works with and seeing them succeed and grow in their talents.

Tayden R.

Veterinary Technician

Tayden was raised in Ririe Idaho. She has always wanted to work in the veterinary field for as long as she can remember, she has always had a passion for animals. She moved to Montana in 2018 to attend college, where she graduated from Pima Medical Institute. She joined the Mountain River staff in June 2020. She has 5 horses and 2 amazing dogs. Outside of working her life consists of (her favorite hobby) riding and training horses!

Willow B.

Veterinary Technician

Willow grew up in South Central Pennsylvania. She graduated from BYU-I with an Associates Degree in Animal Science. Recently, she got married and lives in Rigby, ID. She has 2 dachshunds named 'Tater' and 'Spud', a horse named 'Sissy', and a small herd of show cattle. She enjoys camping, boating, riding, hunting, horses, and anything outdoors with family.